Scans revealed a low-grade strain to the Hawk’s medial ligament, which is likely to sideline Vandenberg for this weekend’s clash against Port Adelaide at Aurora Stadium.
Vandenberg did not return to the field in the second half of Saturday’s important win against the Lions at the MGC, suffering knee soreness following a heavy collision. However, the Club is confident the Hawks captain will return to full training next week, according to Hawthorn’s General Manager of Football operation, Mark Evans.
“Our medical team have assessed Richie’s knee and following scans have found nothing overly concerning.
We would expect him to miss this week due to swelling. But we’d think he’d be back for next week – the damage is minimal.”
Meanwhile, Hawks utility, Michael Osborne will be available for selection this week having made a full recovery from an abdominal injury. Osborne has been sidelined since suffering from internal bleeding against the Magpies in Round 13, and will be keen to reestablish himself in Alastair Clarkson’s winning Hawks side.